Anger at sale of park property The Lodge, in Canons Park

Community groups are angry at plans to sell off a park building that they believe still has potential to benefit the area.

Friends of Canons Park and the Canons Park Residents Association (CaPRA) have attacked Harrow Borough Council for selling off the Lodge, at the entrance to the historic park.

The groups say they were not consulted about the sale of the site and they want to see it used by the community and for the community.

Abe Hayeem, a member of both groups said: “There is a lot of anger and we feel the way this has been carried out is a scandal.

“People feel like they have been kept in the dark about this. There is so much potential for this building to be used by the community.

“It wouldn’t cost the council much at all because there would be a large amount of volunteers willing to give their time. It seems just a waste of an opportunity.”

Sujit Bhattacharje, also a CaPRA member said: “This is a valuable asset to the park that could be used by the community.

“It is a part of the park and its history and if it is sold off by the council then it will be lost forever.”

The building, which was closed last year, was previously used by the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and as the park caretaker’s house.

The council's cabinet member for property and major contracts Cllr Stephen Wright says the council no longer has a need for the building.

He said: “Rather than leave the property vacant, it clearly makes sense to bring the property back into use through the sale of the home, the proceeds of which can be reinvested back into council services.

“The property is one of a number of buildings and pieces of land which the council agreed to put up for sale last October, and this move was publicly discussed at the time.”

Cllr Wright added the intention to sell the property was publicly advertised for two consecutive weeks in December, and there was a deadline for any objections or representations by January 13.

Comments (2)

As a Councillor for the ward, I have supported/ support residents concerns about the disposal of this local resource. It is of further concern that the portfolio holder seems to be more interested in cashing in this property rather than positively responding to the residents concerns and working with the local community to find a best suitable solution!

As a Councillor for the ward, I have supported/ support residents concerns about the disposal of this local resource. It is of further concern that the portfolio holder seems to be more interested in cashing in this property rather than positively responding to the residents concerns and working with the local community to find a best suitable solution!Husain Akhtar